EDDC on the move: consultation re Allendale Centre

East Dorset District Council is asking residents in the area for their feedback on proposals for changes to the Allendale Centre in Wimborne to create a building for both community use and district council offices.

A consultation is being held from 7 to 25 September at the Allendale Centre, where plans for the proposed enhanced facilities can be seen and questionnaires completed.

The ground floor would see a number of the existing offices retained and refurbished, along with the main hall and the Quarterjack Suite which would also be used for East Dorset council meetings.

A reception area would be created where residents could access all the services currently available at Furzehill including:

Facilities to pay council tax or other bills from the council

Access to local planning applications

Access to East Dorset Council services, such as housing enquiries, benefit enquiries, council tax enquiries, public health information, waste and recycling, etc

A new café layout would be designed with tables and chairs around the new reception area.

The upper floor would provide office accommodation for East Dorset District Council, Dorset County Council and Dorset Police.

A riverside walkway would be created along the side of the building and there would be enhanced public amenity areas including outdoor café seating, soft landscaped areas, planting and benches.

Cllr Steve Butler, Portfolio Holder for Performance at East Dorset District Council, said: “Since 2013 we have been investigating the feasibility of a new facility in Wimborne that would allow easier access for our customers than our current building at Furzehill, as well as meet our requirements for staff and councillors.

“We have now taken our feasibility study to the next level and, following lengthy discussions with a number of partners, have come up with proposals which would move our customer services into the town centre and refurbish and improve the facilities at the Allendale Centre.

“We want to hear what the local community and potential users think about the proposals and would urge everyone to come and view the plans and complete a questionnaire.”